History Driving the Kookie Kar back to 1958

Nope ... it’s debuting on Sunday, August 18th 2019 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

 

I recently found an old article on Norms car when it was in "Lightning Bug" form I guess. Would anybody mind if I posted it on this thread? I know it it supposed to be about the Kookie version.


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I'm guessing this is the article that appeared in the October 1955 issue of HOT ROD Magazine (or the more recent reprint of the article in HOT ROD DELUXE)?

If so, I remember that it and/or pics from it have already been posted here on the H.A.M.B. ... but since I can't seem to find any of them with a simple search, it wouldn't hurt to post the article again ... but maybe start a new thread ... 'cuz like you stated, this one is really supposed to be about the Kookie version and has already been derailed several times (including by me ).

 

Too bad Norm's gone...in many ways. But can you imagine how entertaining this thread would be if he were here doing running commentary. ROFL would take on a whole new dimension.

 

How would Norm handle the Pebble Beach debut?

Bob

 

Omigod... Imagine Norm and his 'WOO!!WOOO!!!' complete with antics so dearly missed...
Head Blueblood Cheerleader, to all his constituents: "Pay no attention to the man in the leotard..."

 

That would Be the Show! Be prepared to be Amazed, I wonder if they'll invite Norm's niece?

 

Some one said,it was never that nice before!! Maybe or not !,But too me seeing Kookie Kar on TV in the 1950s when I was a Teen!
It was the most PERFECT hot rod in the world !!!! *****
At the time I was hunting down abandoned cars an putting parts together for my own hot rod, too drive to high school..
And some of the styling rubbed off on my own build. By end of 1959 I had a running hot rod,28 bobtailed A roadster ,with V8 Thunderbird power.
Over the years I still love what n how I did it,but added better chrome headers an a folding top.
Didn't have those in high school. Only a tonneau cockpit cover then.
Super respect too Norm. Also too all those returning Norm's car back too "Super Star"
THANKS

 

I forgot to post yesterday's (Wednesday, May 29th) update from Darryl @hollenbeck32 Hollenbeck's Vintage Color Studio:

Passenger-side Door off:

images are still captures from vintagecolorstudio's May 29th Instagram Story (video)​

Passenger-side Door installed:

images are still captures from vintagecolorstudio's May 29th Instagram Story (video)​

Drivers-side:

images are still captures from vintagecolorstudio's May 29th Instagram Story (video)​

 

90 Days left for the Pebble Beach debut.


Bob

 

Actually only 80 Days!

 

Pebble Beach website in messing with us!

Bob

 

I heard a rumor that Mary (@The Rod God) Birdsong has indeed been invited.

 

Kookie update! ... Getting ready for {Eric Reyes to do} some serious pin stripe work:

images from the roybriziostreetrods & vintagecolostudio May 30th Instagram feeds​

 

Eric Reyes has been busy (at his own studio):

It’s like icing on a cake ...

images from the vintagecolostudio May 31st Instagram feed​

 

Today's update from Darryl @hollenbeck32 Hollenbeck's Vintage Color Studio:

Eric Reyes spent the day pin striping:

images are still captures from vintagecolorstudio's May 31st Instagram Story (video)
and from the May 31st Roy Brizio Street Rods Inc Facebook timeline​

 

wow great job , this thing is going to be beautiful ,

 

Nice job keeping us updated @HEMI32 ,can’t wait to see the finished car.

Cliff Ramsdell

 

Riding the crest of re-ass'y, striping looks SO 'Jeffries'...
Really like the breakdown detail of the front spring perch cover, that piece was fabricated by Valley Custom, 1957... not 'stamped' by Imposters...

 

HEMI32, Thanks for all the photo coverage, do they plan to drive the car on the Thursday Tour and lunch in Carmel? Bob

 

This car was touched by so many legends from the past it is mind blowing. I had forgot Dean Jefferies was involved. I can't imagine any car at Pebble Beach getting more attention than this icon.

 

Further to my previous query regarding the Characters residing at the uniquely detailed center section at the time frame of this restoration I present two potential candidates...the first is one I suspect is the 77 Sunset show config...Why well look who's at the wheel...




https://www.hotrod.com/articles/1005sr-1922-ford-t-bucket/

...Since a skull......was apparently on the shifter perhaps the Character in my previous post may also have graced it as well...hence another somewhat better view with that as well. Maybe Norm switched them out on a whim numerous times...



...Holy Heck He's Combing His Hair...

What is to be noted by these new pics is the Tiki like character doesn't seem to be there in either view...

Anyway's hope you all are curious...

Did Norm market his creations there?...

Did his T stay on set or did it go home after filming every night?

Since it's the Sunset Version it's relevant history I suppose...

Lastly at the end of the day liberties can be taken in using any Grabowski Original in these locations as it seems there were others in the stills...I just thought it was a done deal......But that may be lost in the Kookie Dust

Credit to Photographers, Owners
​

 

Shifter skull or the ones under the rear U bolts?

 

Originally I was inquiring about the one under near the rear end. I just thought it was a slam dunk easy answer to those that are up on this stuff...

TV Shows were pretty anal about details but perhaps Norm changed them out many times during filming...

Since its a pretty Nuts on Resto and why not...I was curious if that info was known...Sure lets Go for Both after all its details and relevant...

 

A Saturday, June 1st afternoon update from Darryl @hollenbeck32 Hollenbeck's Vintage Color Studio ...

Reference photos taped to the drivers-side windshield post:

​

Flames on drivers-side:

​

Finished components drying in the corner of the booth:

all images are still captures from vintagecolorstudio's June 1st Instagram Story (video)​

... and a Saturday, June 1st late evening update from Darryl @hollenbeck32 Hollenbeck ...

Saturday night date night with Eric Reyes and Kookie:

image from vintagecolorstudio's June 1st Instagram feed​

 

Who gets credit for all the research and photos? Just like all the Pebble Beach restorations having a book of info is what you need to convince the judges things as they should be. Bob

 

An update from the Sunday, June 2nd Roy Brizio Street Rods Inc Facebook timeline ...

A little more magic happening on the Kookie T at Vintage Color Studio as Darryl and Eric work into the weekend getting parts finished ... Eric Reyes laying down the final retro licks, just amazing work:

all images from the June 2nd Roy Brizio Street Rods Inc Facebook timeline​

 

...Mechanical Love and Respect...Go Eric Go!!...

 

I like that a lot, if the dents and dings were OK with Norm they should stay with the restoration. Bob

 

I’m with Bob here. Restored to how it was, not perfected to how someone thinks it should be.

Cliff Ramsdell